It's all good, right?

The last few days have been mostly good.

1. Met with the running group on Saturday morning. The run was cancelled due to lightening. But as I chatted with a woman about how fast gels hit your system, I mentioned that I wore an insulin pump. She said one of the marathon coaches is also a pumper! He wasn't there, but I just can't get over how cool that is. What are the odds, since I've only met a couple of other people (other than here in blogland). I will plan on meeting him and picking his brain later.

2. Appointment with the endoc went well today. A1C was 6.3, and HDL (the good kind) was still over 100. Everything else OK. Also, he went skiing the same place I did last year, so it was fun to compare notes on that.

3. I haven't been doing much praying or bible study lately, but yesterday I picked up a bible study on the parables, completed the first chapter, and prayed. I wrote the prayers down, and asked God to show me how to use my talents to serve Him. I don't have a church to call home right now, so that's out. But today, I went to the internet to check out volunteer opps with a local charity I think does good work. All of them left me feeling unmoved, but I clicked on the link anyway, just to see where it would take me. It took me to a listing of local volunteer opps. One of them is with an organization that uses horses as therapy for children. Very cool, as I love animals and have had a lifelong fascination with horses. This charity appears to need help in several areas. I'm going to check it out.

I went with hubby to the local rec center this evening so he could run around the indoor track. I already ran outside this morning and lifted weights, so sat on a bench reading a book. My old Jazzercise instructor approached me, we caught up a bit, and she asked me if I'd like to be a class manager as she has a couple of openings. At first I said "no" since I'm training for a half marathon and go to another gym. But then I realized this might be an answer to that prayer and it might not be all about me! So I told her I'd think about it and wrote down her cell number.

4. On the not so good side, my run this morning sucked. I woke up with BG of 295, and gave myself about 2/3 the normal correction bolus. Headed out to run and felt like crap most of the way. Yes, I know it is not recommended to exercise with BG over 225, but I'm trying to stick to a schedule here! Felt nauseous as I arrived back home and figured I was still too high. But BG was 65. Not too bad really, but it felt yucky.

Geez, my posts are so long they bore me. I either need to learn brevity or post more often :)

Co-Pay Roulette

Step right up folks, spin the wheel and win a new co-pay!

Disclaimer: This is purely a game of chance, no logic involved, and the house usually wins.

I am now on hubby's insurance, which is with United Healthcare (Medco for pharmacy). United (Medco) was also my previous insurance carrier, but this is a different plan/employer.

This all started when I went to the local pharmacy yesterday to pick up refills on my test strips and birth control pills. The test strips rang up with ZERO co-pay, which is a new but welcome phenomenon. The BC pills (same ones I have been taking for years), could not be filled because they needed "pre-authorization" from the doctor. Huh???? I wonder if the ins co would rather pay for a complex pregnancy for a Type 1 over 40 than BC pills.

So I decided to take the bull by the horns and call Medco. I'm convinced the first person I talked to was not really a person, but a trained parrot. When I asked why the BC pills required pre-authorization since the purpose was obvious, she just kept giving me the number for the doctor to call. Apparently they can answer who, what, when and where, but not why.

I then went through their automated system to get co-pays on Novolog, Cozmo Cartridges and Quick-Sets. The co-pay on Novolog was about $25 for 30 day supply locally -- OK, not too bad. And the co-pay on Cozmo Cartridges was ZERO for mail order from Medco -- GREAT, but really?? since I had been paying $125 before to for the same thing to Medco?

I couldn't get the automated system to recognize the Quick-Sets, so called back in for a live person. She confirmed that the Cartridges really are free, but that Medco no longer carries Quick-Sets and I will need to get those from my local pharmacy. Co-pay will be 30% of cost with a minimum of $20 and a max of $75. I didn't think local pharmacies carried infusion sets, and told the insurance rep that. She said that Wal-Mart, Walgreens, CVS, etc. do carry them. I thought "maybe something has changed since I tried that years ago", and called 3 local pharmacies. They don't carry them.

So I have left a message with the mail order diabetes supply house that I used previously (that is before Medco told me I had to order from Medco several years ago).

It's hard for me to trust a parrot, so a question for the OC....any of you getting Minimed Quicksets from Medco? I find it hard to believe they don't carry them anymore.

I wonder what the next spin of the wheel is going to yield. Oh well, so far I'm doing better than I did with the slot machines in Las Vegas.

Have I Lost My Ever Lovin' Mind?

Well, I did it. Or I should say "we" did it. Hubby and I signed up for a half marathon training program tonight. I'm a 5K veteran, that is if a handfull of not-so-speedy 5K's makes one a veteran. But a half marathon is a whole 'nother animal. As in four times as long as a 5K. But it is a six month training program that starts from about where I am now, so that makes me feel that it is possible.

Tonight was orientation, and I had a chance to talk to the coaches. I talked to them about testing and my hope that I would not hold the group back when I stoped to test. I'm OK with NOT testing for the 3 and 4 milers that I do now, but with the mileage ramp-up, I'm not sure how the old bod will react. Should be interesting.

I'm VERY happy that hubby also signed up. At orientation he ran into (well not literally...there was no running, just talk) a friend he used to work with. They will be in the same training group. He was on the fence about signing up, so this was really nice. The CEO/Owner of the company I resigned from a month ago is also planning to participate, so I look forward to catching up with him without the pressures of work intervening. We ran together once, and seemed pretty well matched. But I have the feeling he may be faster than me. I guess we'll see.

As far as a name for my new pump, I'm still undecided. My first pump was named Wilbur...partly for Charlotte's web, and partly for a wonderful cat that graced our lives for many years. I'm seriously considering Chrissy, in honor of one my favorite dogs who is no longer with us. She was so sweet and affectionate, but also moody, so I'm a little hesitant to name a pump after a moody dog. But Chrissy just has a nice ring to it, and despite her moods, she loved us in her doggy way.

I've really been enjoying my sabbatical, and catching up on yard work. I am really enjoying using my body as opposed to my brain. Know that sounds silly, but after 20 years in accounting/finance/mgmt, maybe it's understandable. After doing yard work, I can see a difference. After many meetings I often could not.

That's about it. I thought I would blog more after my "retirement", but I've pretty much avoided anything requiring thought lately. Maybe after I get the yard in shape..... I still enjoy reading yours though, so if you're so inclined, keep up the good work fellow bloggers :)

Pumpie is Dead

OK, I'll admit it, I never named the new pump that I started on last week. Maybe that is the problem. Or maybe it's that I put it in my sweaty jog bra for my run this morning. Or that I loaded it up myself without waiting for my official training since it is the same brand as the pump I have worn for the last 4 years. This poor pump has been disrespected from the get-go. So I am posthumously calling it "Pumpie". It's sort of like how you call a new dog "Puppy" until you figure out it's real name.

I have cancelled my plans to go to Dallas today and am waiting for a call from my doctor's office. I have an old "Plan B" for occasions like this involving NPH (which I don't have on hand), but until now have never had to use it, so thought I'd check in. New pump will arrive tomorrow.

So I have two questions for the learned OC. (1) What is your "Plan B" insulin regimen for short-term pump failures? and (2) Got any suggestions on what to name the new pump that arrives tomorrow? I want to get it off to a good start by showing it the proper respect.

Educational Opportunity

Outside my office (which I will soon be vacating), sits some of the company's IT staff. Among them is a young fellow, Daniel. He's very sharp, graduated from MIT and deep down, is a nice kid. But he is also an impetuous hothead who talks and cusses incessantly. Let's just say he has provided hours of entertainment. So I heard him spouting off yesterday about how the coke and candy he was eating had so much sugar he would probably get diabetes. He continues to run on about how sugar is what causes diabetes, and how he is probably doomed to get it.

Finally, I step into the fray, and asked him if he was sure about sugar consumption causing diabetes. "Absolutely" he replies, "everybody knows that". So I bait the hook a little more with "Daniel, are you 100% sure?". His reply, "oh yes". I give him one more chance "No doubt in your mind?". He says: "Nope, none."

By this time about five of his co-workers are looking on, several of whom know that I wear a pump and have diabetes. They are smiling and looking on, knowing what is coming. So I tell Daniel that I happen to know that what he is saying is not true, point to my pump and ask him if he knows what it is? He says confidently "It's a cell phone". I say "wrong again, it's an insulin pump, and I have diabetes". His expression was priceless, and he started trying to backpedal, but dug a deeper hole. Finally, he says..."I'm an asshole". I reply with, "yes, I know, but we love you anyway" and proceded with my elevator speech about diabetes.

The Great Unknown

Tomorrow is the day. I'm tendering my resignation, giving a month's notice. I've been struggling with this decision for over a year. I have prayed and asked for God's wisdom, talked it through with hubby, and asked for input from friends and other wise counselors. It is unanimous.

From the outside it may look crazy. In many people's eyes, I have the perfect job. Nice salary, good benefits, short commute, flexible hours, spot on the executive team, the trust of the CEO/owner, almost eight years of tenure and the vacation that goes with that. It is very convenient, safe, and familiar. But what the job itself has evolved into, I dread most days. Money, convenience and my need for security are the only things still keeping me there. I am truly blessed to have the option to give this up, and I know that for many, there is not an option like that. It hasn't always been for me either.

I have had a mounting sense that I no longer was supposed to be there that gets so strong it literally leaves me speechless. I know that God has something better than money and convenience ahead. I'm a planner at heart, but I don't know the details of the plan this time. That's hard, but I'm going to open myself up to letting it not be my plan this time.

The Differences

I went to a ladies retreat with a friend and her mother-in-law (I'll call her MIL) on Friday/Saturday. We roomed together, and had a wonderful time. MIL is a delightful lady who has Type 2. I have Type 1. Spending some time with her really brought it home how these are such different diseases. Each has it's own unique challenges, but it's hard to fathom how they can be discussed in the same breath. Sort of like if I mentioned that I went to a game at the American Airlines center (our local indoor professional sports venue). I'd have to tell you what kind of game it was -- hockey or basketball -- Stars or Mavericks -- in order for us to have a meaningful conversation about it. That is, if any conversation about either sport is meaningful. OK, so that's a whole 'nother suject (hope my hubby doesn't read this)!

MIL recently started on Byetta, but decided not to bring it to the retreat with her since it has to be refrigerated. I wore my insulin pump and brought an extra vial of insulin and 2 set changes with all the accessories, an extra vial of test strips, and extra batteries for the pump just in case (for a one night stay). MIL gets her Byetta from a mail order pharmacy, I get my insulin from a local pharmacy because I don't want to take the chance on a screw up via mail order, or on not being able to get a quick refill if I drop a bottle. I asked MIL how often she tests. She said she hasn't been lately, but needs to get back to checking it in the mornings. I tested six times on Saturday to make sure I stayed in range to feel as good as possible so I could enjoy the retreat. We talked about food, and she works to spread her carbs out over the day. I do to a certain extent, but feel more free in varying the carb count since I know I can compensate w/ insulin. She seems to feel some guilt about her diagnosis. I don't.

Of course, we are two individuals, and there would likely be differences between us even if our conditions were switched. We each have our own unique struggles, but these are two drastically different diseases that should never be discussed as one. That, among other things, was very clear this weekend.